PBBM recognizes and commends the PAA, Inc. for holding the 10th PAA National Congress and 2023 Philippine Agriculturists’ Summit
“I recognize and commend the Philippine Association of Agriculturists, Inc. for diligently introducing much needed development and innovation in the field”
Written by Sandy B. Abiad
The Philippine Association of Agriculturists, (PAA) Inc., a non-profit organization and the sole Accredited and Integrated Professional Organization (AIPO) for Licensed Agriculturists in the Philippines, convened together in Davao City, Davao del Sur approximately 2,000 participants from diverse range of Filipino experts, planners, researchers, policymakers, agricultural extension workers, practitioners and stakeholders from various agricultural disciplines. This significant activity hopes to bring to the fore the urgency to fast track the transformation of the Philippine food systems towards productivity, resiliency and sustainability, aptly described in this year’s Congress’ theme, “Sustainable Transformation of the Philippine Agro-Food Systems”.
The President of the Philippines and Secretary of Department of Agriculture, His Excellency, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.
The President of the Philippines and Secretary of Department of Agriculture, His Excellency, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., through his message, recognizes and commends the PAA, Inc. for holding this activity and for diligently introducing much-needed development and innovation in the field of agriculture. Likewise, he wishes to continue conducting meaningful discussions that can produce sustainable solutions, raise capabilities, and inspire action across the country.
The 10th PAA National Congress and 2023 Philippine Agriculturists’ Summit aims to raise the awareness of the agriculture stakeholders on the actions being undertaken in addressing challenges in the agriculture and food sector. Also, this sought to serve as a channel to more effectively inform, equip and and involve Filipino agriculturists, in general, and its individual members, institutional partners and clientele, particularly to respond to opportunities and challenges that would appear on the horizon. More specifically, it involved finding its niche in agricultural policy advocacy, research and formulation as well as enterprise-building, communications, training and community development. It was realized then that to be able undertake all this, would require an interdisciplinary orientation and multi-agency network of both local and internationally renowned experts in carrying on with its undertakings and range of services.
In addition, President Marcos reiterated that as the administration strives to keep the farmers and market resilient, especially at the onset of El Niño, the government remains committed to providing the agriculture sector with all the support it needs. He noted that in partnership with PAA, alongside with the government’s efforts, he is confident that difficulties can be overcome to make the Philippine agro-food systems stronger, more equitable and more prosperous in the years to come.
The three-day Summit also highlighted the session titled “An Hour with the DA Senior Undersecretary” which was physically attended by the Department of Agriculture Senior Undersecretary Honorable Domingo F. Panganiban. During the session, he answered the consolidated questions and concerns raised by the participants, as representatives of over 17,000 regular and associate individual PAA members, specifically the Registered Agriculturists nationwide, who are hoping for the urgency of serious actions and sustainable solutions to address their concerns.
To significantly provide a platform for innovative solutions and strategies relative to sustainable transformation of Philippine Agro-food systems, the PAA, Inc. brought together the key officials to present specific topics for the technical sessions. The Keynote Address titled “Sustainable Transformation of Philippine Agro-food Systems” was delivered by National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Undersecretary for Legislative Affairs, Atty. Krystal Tan Uy on behalf of NEDA Secretary, Dr. Arsenio M. Balisacan. The Summit was formally opened by the Message from PAA Board of Trustees Chair, Dr. Roberto F. Rañola, Jr., and Welcome Message delivered by City Agriculturist of Davao, Mr. Edgardo Haspe on behalf of Davao City Mayor Honorable Sebastian Z. Duterte.
The Plenary Sessions were graced by distinguised guests from various sectors. The Plenary Sessions were presented by the following key officials: Dr. Gina P. Nilo, DA - Director of the Bureau of Soils and Water Management, “Implementation of the National Soil Health Program: Collaborative Action in Addressing Soil/Land Degradation, Climate Change and Agro-biodiversity Loss”; Mr. Stefano P. Pagiola, Senior Environmental Economist of the World Bank, “Country Climate and Development Report of the Phillippines”; Dr. Bruce J. Tolentino, Private Sector Member, The Monetary Board Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas, “BSP-ACPC Monetary Policy and Financial Inclusion in Agriculture”; Dr. Louie A. Divinagracia, Immediate Past President of PAA, and Mr. Dennis M. Layug, President, East West International Education Specialists, Inc., MP Digital, “Digital Transformation Strategy in Agriculture: Navigating Cybersecurity Risks”; Mr. Jose Gelacio T. Uy, III, Senior Vice President and Corporate Affairs Head, Nestle Philippines, Inc., “Regenerative Agriculture and Nature-Based Solutions Towards Resilience”; Dr. Benny Corcolon, Senior Consultant for Research and Development, Tagum Agricultural Development Company, Inc., “Sustainability in the Agro-Food Systems in Mindanao - PPP”; Dr. Glenn B. Gregorio, Director, Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture, “WISE Carbon Farming”; Mr. Craig B. Jamieson, CEO and Founder, Straw Innovations Ltd., “Achieving Sustainable Food Systems through Bio-circular Economy and Carbon-Neutral Technology;” Dr. Agnes Catherine T. Miranda, Undersecretary for Administration and Finance, Department of Agriculture, and Mr. Michael R. Sollera, OIC Director, Planning and Monitoring Service, DA, “Integrative Food and Nutrition Security as Context for Sustainable Agro-Food Transformation in the Philippines (NAFMIP 2021-2030)”; Hon. Ireneo V. Vizmonte, Undersecretary and CIAP Alternate Chairman, Department of Trade and Industry, “The Role of DTI on Enhancing the Efficiency in Agro-Food Systems”; Dr. Nieva T. Natural, Director, Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment Staff, National Economic and Development Authority “Food Security: Reducing Vulnerabilities and Protecting Purchasing Power;” Dr. Rico C. Ancog, Dean, School of Environmental Science and Management, UPLB, “Strategy Frameworks on Food Security and Nutrition: Some Imperatives and Innovation”.
Parallel Learning Skills Sessions were also graced by Dr. Glenn B. Gregorio, Director, SEARCA together with Atty. Eric V. Reynoso and Dr. Rico C. Ancog, “Nurturing Farm Schools Amidst Emerging Trends in Agricultural Education Technology”; Engr. Remelyn R. Recoter, Director, Agricultural Training Institute of the Department of Agriculture, “Transforming Agricultural Extension Delivery Systems in the Philippines”; Dr. Gerald Glenn F. Panganiban, Director, DA - Bureau of Plant Industry, “Sustainable Agriculture for Resilience and Food Security: LGU Initiatives”; Honorable Santiago B. Cane, Jr., Governor of the Province of Agusan del Sur, “Sustainable Agriculture in Agusan del Sur: Learnings from the Upland Sustainable Agri-forestry Development (USAD) Convergence Program”; Dr. Romulo D. Tagalo, Project Management, Provincial Government of Davao del Norte, “Sustainability projects during the pandemic”; and Dr. Ildefonso T. Toledo:, Provincial Agriculturist of Iloilo “Iloilo strategies for farmers.”
